V1 or Passport 8500

[kaykay]

Got nailed a few days ago on PCH doing 63, radar.

I've read conflicting threads about the V1 being "old technology", a lot of police not using older technology radar and etc.

What would be the best choice for detecting bogeys here in California (not sure what type of radar/Lidar they use). It seems that Sheriff's still use radar, LAPD uses Lidar (from my ticket of 3 years ago) and I have no idea what CHP uses.

I guess it's more of a regional question - what's the best detector for California?

The Passport 8500 seems well reviewed and substantially less $$ than the V1, although I believe the V1 offers Lidar detection, and a few more features.

I just need to know when they're shooting the gun!

[cbnat]

I have a V1 and was nailed on laser. It told me as soon as I was hit, but I was the first car in line and he was doing instant on/off, there is no way around that. In situations where they were just sitting on the road with it the gun on, it has saved my butt. I do like the rear and side detection.

V1 will re-flash your unit when they release upgrades.

I have never used a Passport.

[saeedg48]

V1...
If you get hit with lazar there's no way to avoid it with a radar detector.
But if you get hit with radar the best thing for you is the V1. Back in the day
when I was speeding all the time (years ago) I went through two or three different
radar systems and all of them sucked. But when I started to use the V1 I never got another
speeding ticket. Hardwire the V1, they have a great product with great accessories!
-
After a year of using the V1 I calmed down and got over driving fast...just took it out of my car and sold
it no problem.

[kaykay]

Thanks guys, my E92 Coupe is still 3 months out... I want to get something and try it on the 550i and see how it reacts. I've always been against hardwiring systems such as stereo, radar, etc... Don't like screwing around with the internals... But then again, a cable hanging down the windshield is not that attractive.

I'm trying to justify the V1's price tag while at the same time have read multiple "it's old technology", "archaic company" reviews...

With Lidar, unless you get a jammer, I think you're screwed either way you look at it.

I still feel a lot of Radar is used here Southern California (CHP, LASD, LAPD, etc.)

Would love some more input and for some of the local guys to chime in. The Escort 8500 X50 seems like a good device, the only difference I can see at the moment is that the V1 has a rear sensor and the X50 doesn't...

Thanks!

[Fen335i]

IMHO, the V1 is superior to the Passport products...it has two sensors (front and rear)...and arrows to show you where the bogey is. The Passports only have one sensor (unless they just released an upgrade) and no arrows... it just beeps

None of the detectors are going to be any good for laser...you need a jammer for that (assuming it's legal in your state - it is in mine). As someone else posted, V1 is good about upgrading software on your detector if you have an older unit...my V1 has saved me countless times. I don't know why folks would say it's "old technology"...it's the best technology out there for radar in my opinion.

[kaykay]

Leaning towards the V1, after researching quite a bit today it seems like a solid detector...

[chungdae]

I've had the Passport 8500 for 3 years and after it broke I decided to try out the V1. The V1 is far superior to the 8500. There are hundreds of reviews comparing the two. Check out youtube and you'll get your answers.

[JH M3]

I've had the same V1 for over 10 years and it is still going without any problems. Paid for itself many times over.

[holt]

although I've never used a V1, I've read great things about them. I've had both the 8500 and 9500 windshield mounted units. Both worked excellent. Obviously the 8500 is built on older technology than the 9500. The 9500ix comes with awesome features such as GPS radar location memory and many other nifty features. As far as the V1 having a rear-facing radar sensor (i could be wrong about this), how many times have you been gunned from the rear? I never have. If you want laser/lidar protection, you should go with the 9500ci, or other systems that have laser jammers. I recently had this system installed and it's amazing so far. Haven't got a chance to put it to test on the highway, but in-city performance has been great. But, it sounds like price is a big concern for you, so the 9500ix/ci probably isnt for you.

good luck though. I don't think you can really go wrong with either of the V1 or the 8500/9500.

[isugoo]

v1. of course.

[SIIK2NR]

V1 hands down.

The only thing I`d like V1 to do is an upgrade to the housing. He`s had the same design forever.....

[ersin]

Get the V1! It's not "old". They keep updating it. They just don't update the casing.

If you were to compare, then compare the V1 to one of the 9500's. Also, look into the Escort Redline and Bel STI. I would still take the V1 over any of these, but there are pros and cons to each.


Cheers.

[Ricfutures]

Originally Posted by holt

how many times have you been gunned from the rear? I never have.

Let's you know when there's a cruiser coming up from your rear. Countless times this has happened to me and after I adjust my speed sure enough there he is passing me up. The range on it is phenomenal, really helpful at night as well.

[J08M3]

V1 without a doubt...

And to the outdated housing comment. I disagree, the shape is one of the better features of the V1. I've tried other detectors and what I like about the V1 is it is angled to face you and the button is on the front allowing you to mount it higher on the windshield than detectors that have their buttons on the top.

[MNm3]

My brother has the new GPS equipped Passport and the thing has never let him down and has great range. Tons of interesting little features...

That being said, the V1 is solid and like everyone else said, upgradable and the always handy directional arrows. Basically it will come down to the price and the available accessories/features.

Both are great detectors...

If money is not an issue though (sounds like it might be), get a built in system. For around $1k, you can have installed a system with a laser jammer and then has just two little red lights built into the dash. The left one goes off when the po is behind, right when in front. Also, if you ever get pulled over, the switch is just next to your leg to turn it off and the copper has no idea you even have it. My old man has them on his 996Turbo and S55 AMG.

Google search Calibre Radar & Lasar Protection.

Sorry no pics.

[10M3MAN]

V1 with Laser Interceptor best protection out there hands down......

[ersin]

Originally Posted by J08M3

V1 without a doubt...

And to the outdated housing comment. I disagree, the shape is one of the better features of the V1. I've tried other detectors and what I like about the V1 is it is angled to face you and the button is on the front allowing you to mount it higher on the windshield than detectors that have their buttons on the top.

What I meant was, they haven't changed the case. I agree with you, there's no reason to change it. It's made of magnesium too, IIRC. Pretty cool stuff.

But it would be nice to have a more squared off box if you install the remote display. That's what they should offer for the "V2": just a black box (no markings) and a remote display/switch.


Cheers.

[J08M3]

Originally Posted by 10M3MAN

V1 with Laser Interceptor best protection out there hands down......

+1

Do yourself a favor and don't get the Calibre K40, that thing is a piece of shit. I was a fool and bought that first. Ripped it out of the car within one week.

Originally Posted by ersin

What I meant was, they haven't changed the case. I agree with you, there's no reason to change it. It's made of magnesium too, IIRC. Pretty cool stuff.

But it would be nice to have a more squared off box if you install the remote display. That's what they should offer for the "V2": just a black box (no markings) and a remote display/switch.


Cheers.

Agreed, that would be a cool idea.

[JCE]

After alot of research I chose the 8500 over the V1. Obviously V1 is a good detector, but I am happy with my purchase and the money I saved. I have had an escort since 1985 so maybe I am biased, but I did consider the V1 and I am sure I would've been happy.

No matter what you buy, laser and K/Ka bands can be turned on and off by the cops. If you are hauling ass alone on a road or at night you are asking for trouble. I got popped like that in about 1986 going 85 between San Antonio and Houston on I-10 at 1 in the morning.

Just be cognizant and don't get lazy. When I am going 100 + my eyes are scanning up ahead just as hard as my ears are listening for the 8500 to chirp.

[10M3MAN]

Originally Posted by JCE

After alot of research I chose the 8500 over the V1. Obviously V1 is a good detector, but I am happy with my purchase and the money I saved. I have had an escort since 1985 so maybe I am biased, but I did consider the V1 and I am sure I would've been happy.

No matter what you buy, laser and K/Ka bands can be turned on and off by the cops. If you are hauling ass alone on a road or at night you are asking for trouble. I got popped like that in about 1986 going 85 between San Antonio and Houston on I-10 at 1 in the morning.

Just be cognizant and don't get lazy. When I am going 100 + my eyes are scanning up ahead just as hard as my ears are listening for the 8500 to chirp.

That SA to Houston run is awesome, I have did that several times going down to SA on the weekends and with traffic you can move along pretty nicely with out issues, but yea at 1 am out there you will get busted hands down no matter what you have....period....